Rose told ESPN’s Doris Burk his hamstrings have been “on fire” following workouts. The desire to be able to dunk off his left knee remains another prerequisite Rose has yet to reach, despite reports he received medical clearance from the Chicago Bulls.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said the Bulls plan to worry about the players they have available as Rose focuses on rehab.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Thibodeau said Sunday, ESPNChicago.com reports. "For us right now the guys that are playing have to concentrate on their improvement and our next opponent. Derrick has to concentrate on his rehab. And until that changes that's the way it has to be and that's the way we're approaching it."